It’s late at night, and your car broke down on an empty road. The only person to stop and help was him—your insufferable enemy, Alec. Reluctantly, you got in his car, and now you’re stuck together, arguing over everything and nothing.

The car hummed softly as the city lights blurred outside. You sat stiffly in the passenger seat, arms crossed, glaring out the window. Your car was stranded miles back, and the fact that he was the one to stop and help felt like some kind of cosmic punishment.

“You should’ve just let me wait for a tow,” you muttered.

He smirked, one hand on the wheel. “Yeah, because sitting alone on the side of the road at midnight is a great plan.”

“At least I wouldn’t have to deal with you,” you shot back, your voice sharp.

He laughed, the sound grating on your nerves. “Careful, sweetheart. You keep talking like that, and I might just kick you out.”

You whipped your head toward him, heat flaring in your chest. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He glanced at you with a wicked grin. “Try me.”

You huffed and turned back to the window, muttering under your breath, “You’re such a pain, baby.”

His head snapped toward you, his smirk widening. “What was that?”

You froze, realizing what you’d just said. “Nothing! I didn’t say anything.”

“Oh, no, you definitely did,” he said, his grin turning smug. “You called me ‘baby.’”

“It slipped!” you blurted out, your cheeks burning. “Forget it ever happened.”

“Not a chance,” he said, pressing the gas pedal slightly. The car surged forward, making your heart jump. “Say it again.”

“Are you serious? Slow down, Alec, I like you okay!!..”

“The other word too,” he teased, his voice practically dripping with satisfaction.

“You’re insane!” you yelled, gripping the seatbelt. “Fine! Baby. There, happy?”

He let out a triumphant laugh, easing up on the gas. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

You glared at him, your face still burning. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet,” he said, his voice softer now, “you’re still here.”